The climax of the state-organised celebration to honour Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah’s installation as the 35th Sultan of Perak was a military tattoo. The stunning spectacle of martial music performed by bands from the three services – army, navy and air force as well as military displays were held on Saturday, May 16 at the floodlit Perak Stadium, Ipoh.
The 35,000-capacity stadium was filled to the brim with little or no standing room. The stadium was completely transformed into a fitting militaristic arena with a spectacular backdrop of ever-changing multi-coloured spotlights, fairyland-like fogs and flickering real-flame torches at the perimeter for a touch of realism.
Some 40,000 people, from all walks of life, filled the stadium well before showtime not wanting to miss an awesome performance; the best Ipoh could offer.
They were there to watch a 3-hour tattoo featuring a long list of awe-inspiring attractions sprinkled with a touch of humour from the 1430-member team of the Malaysian Armed Forces and the Royal Malaysian Police. No one was disappointed, as the show was indeed captivating.
The royal entourage, consisting of Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah and Raja Permaisuri Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim; Raja Muda Perak, Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa and Raja Puan Besar Perak, Raja Nor Mahani Raja Shahar Shah; Raja Di Hilir Perak, Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah and Raja Puan Muda Perak, Tunku Soraya Sultan Abdul Halim, graced the occasion with their presence.
Also present were Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, his wife Datin Seri Saripah Zulkifli and state dignitaries, including some top military brass.
Mei Kuan
